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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BCMB20002)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Coordinator
Dr Terry Mulhern
Administrative Coordinator
Semester 2
Subject Coordinator
Dr Terry Mulhern
Administrative Coordinator
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is an introduction to the core of biochemistry, building on chemical principles and relating structure to function. The subject is an approved biochemistry prerequisite for entry to graduate medicine (and kindred vocational study) at the University of Melbourne. The molecular basis of life as discussed in this subject is essential for the understanding of any biological system and is at the core of all degrees in life science that use molecular techniques. The content includes an introduction to the molecular architecture of cells and the structure of biological building blocks (amino acids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids). The coverage includes the structure and function of proteins, including the properties of enzymes, their regulation and kinetic behavior. How nucleic acids replicate information and serve as a template for the synthesis of RNAs and proteins (i.e. molecular biology). The structure of lipids is examined to show their major biological roles, particularly as components of cell membranes. Metabolic pathways (glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism, TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation) will complete this core coverage of essential biochemistry. The subject is designed to complement the laboratory experiences in the subject BCMB20005.
Intended learning outcomes
By the end of the subject the student should understand:
- the structure and composition of a cell as the basic unit of life, including the concept of cell signalling as a means of transmitting information within a cell;
- the molecular basis for information storage and transmission from DNA to protein, including a basic understanding of genomics;
- the chemical nature of amino acids and their role in determining the folding and functions of proteins;
- the chemistry and structure of lipids and carbohydrates as components of cell membranes;
- the complete breakdown of glucose (glycolysis, TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation) as an example of the complexity of cellular metabolism which provides the macromolecules and the energy needed for cells to carry out their functions.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
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think critically and organise and expand knowledge from consideration of the lecture material;
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learn to adopt new ideas from participation in the lecture and tutorial programs; and
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plan effective work schedules and grow more confident in the synthesis of knowledge.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM10004 | Chemistry 2 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
CHEM10009 | Chemistry for BioSciences | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Candidates who have taken chemistry subjects at other universities may be accepted for BCMB20002 if their studies are equivalent to a full first year of chemistry with basic organic chemistry well covered. Contact the coordinator to ask for a waiver of the prerequisites (include previous chemistry subject details, the institution, the year(s) of study and the grades achieved).
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Bachelor of Biomedicine students taking
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
are excluded from this subject.
Recommended background knowledge
Level 1 Biology is strongly recommended.
A biomedical or biological practical subject such as
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20005 | Techniques in Molecular Science |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
or equivalent is strongly recommended.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- Computer-based continuous assessment exercises during semester - 10%
- 2 x intra-semester tests during semester (10% each) - 20%
- 3 hour examination during the exam period - 70%
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Terry Mulhern Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours three x 1 hour lecture, and one x 1 hour tutorial per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Subject Coordinator
Dr Terry Mulhern
Administrative Coordinator
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Terry Mulhern Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours three x 1 hour lecture, and one x 1 hour tutorial per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Subject Coordinator
Dr Terry Mulhern
Administrative Coordinator
Time commitment details
48 contact hours with an estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Nelson and Cox, Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 6th edn., 2013 OR 7th edn. 2016
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and New Generation degrees).
This subject is not available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Biomedicine.
Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Botany Informal specialisation Zoology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Zoology Major Animal Health and Disease Major Botany - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 11 April 2024